The Yogatattva Upanishad Dhyana Mantra is a meditative invocation drawn from the Yogatattva Upanishad, one of the 108 Upanishads and a key text of the Yoga tradition within the Atharvaveda. This Upanishad expounds the essence (tattva) of yoga, presenting a comprehensive synthesis of the four principal yogas: Mantra Yoga, Laya Yoga, Hatha Yoga, and Raja Yoga. The dhyana mantra is used to focus the mind on the ultimate reality, which is identified with Shiva or the Atman (the inner Self). According to the Yogatattva Upanishad (verses 1-3), the mantra is chanted to attain direct realization of the yogic principles and to progress on the path to liberation (moksha).
The beej-akshara (seed syllable) 'Om' is central to the mantra, representing the primordial sound and the unity of consciousness. The phoneme 'Om' is analyzed in the Mandukya Upanishad as comprising the three matras A, U, M, symbolizing the waking, dream, and deep sleep states, and the fourth turiya state beyond. The traditional purpose of this dhyana mantra is to purify the mind, stabilize the prana (life force), and awaken the kundalini shakti, leading to samadhi. It is recommended to be chanted during the brahma muhurta (pre-dawn hours) or at dusk, seated in a comfortable asana with a straight spine.
The count is typically 108 repetitions using a japa mala, or for longer sessions, 1008 repetitions. The ritual setting should be a clean, quiet space with a focus on the inner self. Cautions include the need for proper guidance from a guru, as the mantra's power can intensify mental and energetic processes; it should not be chanted casually without understanding its depth. The Yogatattva Upanishad also warns that without ethical preparation (yama and niyama), the mantra may not yield its full benefit.
This mantra is chanted pan-India, especially in yoga and Vedanta circles, and is associated with the study of yoga philosophy.
Salutations to the essence of yoga.
The mantra begins with the seed-syllable 'Oṁ', which is the primordial sound and represents the unity of consciousness. It is analyzed as A+U+M, symbolizing the waking, dream, and deep sleep states, and the fourth turiya state beyond.